Lover's Bridge at Keelung Harbor Introduction
For residents living near the streams, the "bridge" is the most important commuting facility. Without the bridge, commuting can often be time-consuming and tedious. Today, the Kaohsiung suspension bridge has added touristic value, but in the past, it was quite challenging for the villagers to have a connecting bridge. In the early days, the transportation network in remote areas was not as developed as it is now. Residents had to walk from the beach all the way around the port stream, and during the winter dry season, they wouldn't need to wade through the stream. However, during the wet rainy season, when the creek surged, the only access route would be blocked, making passage not only inconvenient but also somewhat dangerous. To solve the transportation dilemma, the Manzhou Township Office built a commuter suspension bridge at that location. It wasn't until the opening of the Jiage Highway and the construction of a two-way reinforced concrete bridge that the suspension bridge was retired. In 1994, the township office rebuilt the current Kaohsiung suspension bridge to develop tourism. The Kaohsiung suspension bridge is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the area, and its red and white structure can be seen from a distance, gracefully spanning the Port Creek. The banks on both sides of the creek are adorned with lush greenery, making one think, "Red, white, and green, how beautiful!" Since the suspension bridge is not far from the estuary, standing on the bridge allows one to overlook the broad ocean bay. Looking up at the sky, it feels vast; looking down at the creek, it is also wide. The scenery in front is expansive, making any bad mood likely disappear in an instant. The area around the Kaohsiung Creek is not only picturesque but also serves as a recreational site. One can see canoe leaves drifting on the creek surface, which are actually canoes in motion. Each boat is scattered across different corners of the creek, each heading in its own direction, unknowingly showcasing the vibrant scenery of the Port Creek.
